17 August 2011

Spider-hunting Wasp

Spider-hunting Wasp (Anoplius nigerrimus)

I found this Spider-hunting Wasp today in the Upper Neath Valley. Its behaviour at first was reminiscent of a large Ant running quickly over the ground and inspecting holes under rocks. As the name suggest they hunt spiders, often many times larger and heavier than themselves. The thought of spiders hiding themselves away for fear of meeting this tenacious wasp seems strangely satisfying to me!